Molybdenum is required for the activity of enzymes that are involved in eliminating toxins. This includes the breakdown of purines to produce uric acid, which is formed primarily in your liver and is excreted by your kidneys into your urine. Uric acid acts as an antioxidant. Molybdenum is also a cofactor of enzymes involved detoxifying another substance, pyrimidines. It is also used in the treatment of copper poisoning and improper carbohydrate metabolism. Molybdenum may also have a role in stabilizing unoccupied glucocorticoid receptors. Glucocorticoids are naturally-produced steroid hormones that inhibit inflammation. Their shape permits them to move across the membrane that surrounds cells in your body, and to be recognized by molecules inside your cells called glucocorticoid receptors.
Your body absorbs molybdenum quickly in your stomach and in your small intestine. Following absorption, molybdenum is transported by your blood to your liver and to other tissues of your body. In the molybdate form, it is carried in your blood bound to alpha-macro-globulin and red blood cells. Your liver and kidneys store the highest amounts of molybdenum.
The active biological form of molybdenum, known as molybdenum cofactor, is in several tissues of your body. Molybdenum cofactor is made in cells and consists of a molybdenum atom bound to other molecules. The cofactor is a component of four main enzymes:
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Health benefits of manganese include aiding in creating enzymes for building bones and bone metabolism. It also aids in the absorption of calcium.